Vera Kasatkina, in her youth, experienced an emotional trauma: her husband left her and their child. She is 27 years old and has long given up on the idea of personal happiness. When she meets Volodya Chizhov, who is younger than her, she sincerely offers to help him prepare for his university entrance exams. Deep feelings begin to develop between them. Vera's mother is adamantly against this relationship, and Vera's colleagues have already figured it out and are making fun of her. Volodya, an open and persistent young man, tactfully takes the initiative — he helps Vera overcome her fears and find happiness.

In the 1950s Odessa a charming woman is running an underground brothel. She's tired of the business hassles and is dreaming about having a family. Finally the destiny gives her a chance, but there's no way out.